The City of New Crest
In the heartland of the United States, there stands a city. It is one of many cities in the empty vastness of the central plains, yet it is unique in its size. The City of New Crest stands as a testimate of American innovation in science, technology, and living. At least, that’s what the Government wants you to believe.
In 1952, the post-war government of the United States started a new secret project. This project, codenamed “PROJECT ROSE,” was helmed by Dr. ___ and Dr. ___ from the United States Department of Science and Technology. They were tasked to create the perfect American society using a near-infinite post-war budget and all the technology and military power they need. Their ultimate goal, according to the press release, was to protect the American population from another war.
As time went on, people began receiving letters requesting their assistance in the project. Think of it like the war draft, but for science instead of bloodshed. Citizens of high performance and intellect were requested to step forward and be subjects for this grand experiment. They would be given equal housing, accomodations for food, leisure activities, and a stipend for participating in experiments. For any post-war baby-boom family, this is a dream come true.
What they didn’t mention in the letters is what exactly these experiments were. The New Crest Scientific Division was working on a multitude of technologies. The orientation said they were beneficial for our survival in this new world, but in reality, it was mental manipulation.
Imagine receiving word that you were moving into the “New American Dream.” You’d think white picket fences and open streets for the kids to play in. Instead, new “citizens” (more like lab rats) were greeted to iron gates and a large, looming electrical tower, something right out of a dystopian novel.
Each day, citizens would wake up to the sound of morning announcements. Each person was assigned a number that corresponded with their house and their place in the family. If the address was 32 and the father and son were called in for testing, the numbers 3201 and 3203 were called. If called in, citizens go to the tower and are given six hours of experimental treatments. They return with their stipend to continue the day with the family. Those not called live out their lives as normal. Men go to work, women stay home, kids go to school. It’s as normal as a government-controlled life can be.